Places In America That Locals Suggest Avoiding
If you ask locals where not to go, you’ll usually get a pause, a laugh, and then a very careful answer. It’s not always about danger; sometimes it’s disappointment, crowds, or places that just aren’t what outsiders expect.
Take, for example, Maui, Hawaii. A Maui News report highlights that in 2023, the island received 2.9 million visitors, while its resident population was only about 164,000. That’s a ratio of nearly 18 tourists per resident per year, creating severe overpopulation.
Every city has spots residents quietly dodge while tourists line up with cameras. This is the advice you’ll get from someone who has been living somewhere long enough to know better.
Times Square, New York City
New Yorkers avoid Times Square unless work absolutely requires them to be there. The area sees more than 350,000 pedestrians on an average day, according to Times Square District Management Association data. This explains the constant congestion.
Locals complain about aggressive costumed characters, inflated prices, and sensory overload. Have you ever tried crossing one block and felt exhausted afterward? Most residents would rather send you to neighborhoods like the West Village or Brooklyn for a real city experience.
South Beach Tourist Strip, Miami
Miami locals love the beach, just not that stretch of South Beach. Ocean Drive’s tourist-heavy blocks are notorious for overpriced food, traffic gridlock, and constant noise. The area generates a disproportionate number of noise complaints and public disturbances.
Have you ever paid $25 for a drink and felt personally offended afterward? Residents often head north toward quieter beaches like Surfside or Bal Harbour.
Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles
Ask someone who lives in LA about Hollywood Boulevard and watch their expression change. Despite the fame, locals say it’s crowded, underwhelming, and far dirtier than visitors expect.
The Walk of Fame stretches over 15 blocks, yet many stars are cracked, stained, or surrounded by souvenir stands. You will arrive expecting glamour but leave feeling confused instead. Residents usually steer friends toward Griffith Park or quieter beach towns instead.
The Las Vegas Strip
Locals in Las Vegas rarely spend time on the Strip unless friends are visiting. While it attracts over 40 million visitors annually, residents overwhelmingly prefer off-Strip dining and entertainment.
Everything costs more, takes longer, and feels more exhausting than expected. Locals usually suggest Downtown Summerlin or Henderson for a calmer, more affordable night out.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans (Late At Night)
Bourbon Street during the day is loud, but late at night it’s something else entirely. Locals warn that after midnight, the mix of heavy drinking and packed crowds leads to frequent police activity and safety issues.
Reports show Bourbon Street consistently ranks among the city’s highest incident zones during peak nightlife hours. Ever notice locals enjoying the city anywhere but that strip? They tend to hang out on Frenchmen Street for live music without the chaos.
Key Takeaways
Locals don’t avoid these places because they hate their cities; they avoid them because they know better. Crowds, inflated prices, and safety concerns turn many famous spots into places residents quietly skip.
Visiting once can be fun, but staying too long often leads to regret. When in doubt, asking a local where they spend time usually leads to a much better experience.
Read the original article on Crafting Your Home
